007 First Light video game launches with young Bond origin

A new James Bond video game, "007 First Light," launched on Wednesday, May 27, offering players an origin story for the iconic spy. Developed by IO Interactive, the game features Irish actor Patrick Gibson portraying a younger, 26-year-old James Bond during his early days as a recruit in MI6's elite 00-program training program.

Gibson, known for roles in television series such as "Dexter: Original Sin" and "The OA," described being cast as Bond as a massive shock and an honor. He said this version of Bond is a diamond in the rough, possessing the core traits of the character but being younger, more reckless, and optimistic. The narrative follows Bond's ascent from a Royal Navy air crewman into a fully-fledged spy, shaped by sharp instincts and resourcefulness.

The game blends various gameplay styles, including social stealth, exploration, and action sequences. Players can employ gadgets, engage in fist fights, and use firearms during designated "License to Kill" combat sections. The experience moves across global locations, from a Mauritanian market to a luxury resort in Vietnam, aiming to capture the full Bond fantasy of being both a bruiser and a schmoozer.